Palestrina hopes to win trophies for Chelsea and become best premier league defender

New Chelsea signing Palastella stated in an interview that joining the Blues was a dream come true, and revealed details of his conversations with captain Reece James and head coach Alonso.

Before Palastella sat down, he shook our hands and issued a warning: "I can speak English and answer in English, but if I want the best answer, I'd better speak Italian." The 21-year-old made a major life change – leaving Italy, his family, and coming to an unfamiliar country. This is completely understandable. But his English was excellent, and he only switched back to his native language once during the entire interview.

It was revealed that Palastella was very eager to give his first interview to the British media after joining Chelsea. Six journalists sat around a table, asking the Italian, who moved to Stamford Bridge this summer for €47 million, questions in English for 20 minutes.

Leaving home, especially when in a foreign country, people first look for the comfort of home. Anything that can bring back the warm feeling of home. So, the first thing Palastella did was find an Italian restaurant. "Yes, yes, that was the first question I asked," Palastella said with a smile. "British food is not bad, but for me, Italian food is a bit better. I don't remember the name. There's one called Grappelli in Cobham. I also ate at two Italian restaurants in London, don't remember the names."

Palastella has been to three Italian restaurants since arriving in England – one in Cobham, not far from Chelsea's training ground; and two others in London. The first time he ate with his family, and the next two times with friends. Of course, Palastella paid the bill.

The former Atalanta defender made a good impression in our brief conversation, and he also performed well in Chelsea's pre-season.

It is understood that Xavi Alonso highly appreciates Palastella's ability to cover multiple positions defensively. Palastella can play right-back, left-back, and also handle a more advanced wing-back role.

Early in this summer transfer window, Chelsea had been quietly evaluating how to operate with Palastella. After an excellent loan spell at Cagliari last season, his departure from Atalanta was a foregone conclusion, and Inter Milan (the club he played for in his youth) had done a lot of preparatory work.

The Milan-born and raised player seemed poised to join Inter, but Chelsea intervened at the last minute, as the Blues often do in the BlueCo era, gaining the upper hand.

Alonso has become Chelsea's ace in the hole in this summer's negotiations – as evidenced by Morgan Rogers' agreement to a record transfer to Stamford Bridge – and the same was true for Palastella.

"He told me what he wanted from me, his ideas, and other things," the Italian said of his conversation with the new coach. "Not just football. Yes, football of course, but more than that. It was an in-depth conversation about everything, so I'm very happy."

"He likes me because he has watched many of my games. He likes my flexibility, and that I can play on the right, on the left, further back or further forward."

"There were some clubs that wanted me, but Chelsea, when they first wanted me, I agreed because they are one of the biggest clubs in the world. They play in the Premier League, which is the best league in the world. I am excited to come to Chelsea, to start here, and to play with my teammates, Xavi Alonso, and everyone."

One of the many qualities Palastella offers Chelsea is speed – and very fast speed. In fact, the young player averaged 27.96 km/h last season. The former Cagliari loanee became the fastest player in Serie A in the 2025-26 season. However, speed was not inherent to Palastella; quite the opposite.

Palastella wanted to answer this question in Italian, but insisted on speaking English: "I'll try to say it in English, but this one is a bit difficult. When I was young, about 15, I remember I was the slowest in the team, but after a year or two, I grew physically and changed positions."

"Before, I played midfield, but then I switched to left-back or defender, so I realized I was fast. When I was young, I was the slowest. It's crazy, really crazy."

Not only was he the fastest player in Serie A, but he was also named Serie A Defender of the Year. In a league known for its tough defense, this is a huge honor for Palastella, and he hopes to replicate this achievement in the Premier League.

"It's great, because before the season started, I didn't expect to win Serie A's best defender," the Chelsea full-back said. "It's a great honor to be the best defender, but I know this is just the beginning. I need to improve myself every day, but it is indeed a good start."

"I hope to (be the best defender in the Premier League). It might be difficult, but I said the same thing before last season started. I will do my best."

"First, I want to win for Chelsea. The team is always the most important. If I also win Best Defender after the season, I will be happy, but I would rather win something for Chelsea than for myself."

Palastella has not yet met all of his Chelsea teammates. Those who made it to the latter stages of the World Cup are still on extended leave. Reece James is one of them, having helped England to third place – but the Chelsea captain has already met Palastella.

Palastella recalled with respect: "He sent me a message when I joined Chelsea. It was a great message, and I greeted him when he came to Cobham after the World Cup. I know he's a good person, a good captain, so I can't wait to play with him. I'm very happy – I know he's a good person."

When asked about the message, the Italian defender replied: "He said he was happy I joined Chelsea, and told me to contact him for advice, about London and Cobham."

Palastella gets along well with the Chelsea squad, often spending time with Anselmino, Estêvão, João Pedro, and Dario Esugo, among others. The defender has already made a deep impression on many Chelsea fans, even though he has not yet played an official match for his new club.

While not yet carried away, Palastella knows Stamford Bridge's long history with Italian players. Zola, Di Matteo, Vialli – to name just a few. Palastella hopes to be the next Italian to write his name into Chelsea's legend.

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